FORMER BOXER JOHN KERR JAILED FOR SEVEN-HOUR ASSAULT ON PARTNER

A former boxer and joiner named John Kerr, aged 35, has been involved in a severe assault against his partner, whom he subjected to a violent seven-hour ordeal. Kerr, who previously worked as a pub bouncer, attacked the woman in her flat located in the Letham district of Perth. The court heard that Kerr "snapped" after consuming 10 bottles of lager and accusing her of having an affair. During the assault, Kerr inflicted multiple injuries, including blows to her head and body, and stamping on her head, resulting in a mass of bruises. The victim was heard shouting: "No, no – stop,” and neighbours described her screams as being "like shrieks from a horror film." When police arrived around 6 am, she told them, "Thank God you are here – I am glad to see you. I have been getting beaten for seven hours." Kerr was arrested and taken to Perth Police HQ, where he became violent again and injured Officer PC Craig Gardiner by tearing ligaments in his thumb. Kerr has pleaded guilty to assaulting his partner, resisting arrest, and possessing cocaine. His case has a complex history, with background reports ordered and the case scheduled for sentencing at Perth Sheriff Court on July 1, where Kerr will learn his fate. Kerr had been in custody since the incident and remains awaiting sentencing with his usual solicitor, Jim Laverty, who was asked to represent him at short notice due to the case's complexity and ongoing proceedings.